Presenter Information
Rebecca Stark, PA-C
Abstract
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety and distress, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform. The symptoms of OCD can range from mild to so severe that it can be incapacitating to an individual’s life. Treatment is often prescribed, including both pharmacological and behavioral therapy. Overall, 70% of patients starting treatment experience a significant improvement; however, there is still a portion of patients with severe OCD that do not respond to first and second-line treatment plans. We present the case of a 62-year-old-male who was admitted to inpatient psychiatry for severe OCD. The patient failed to respond to first- and second-line treatment options and was prescribed ondansetron for his obsessive thoughts. Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment and prevention of nausea and vomiting. Our patient successfully responded to an off-label use of ondansetron for obsessive thoughts in OCD.
School
Rangos School of Health Sciences
Advisor
Kristin D'Acunto, MPA, PA-C
Submission Type
Paper
Publication Date
March 2017
Included in
Chemicals and Drugs Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Commons
The Safety and Efficacy of Ondansetron in the Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety and distress, leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform. The symptoms of OCD can range from mild to so severe that it can be incapacitating to an individual’s life. Treatment is often prescribed, including both pharmacological and behavioral therapy. Overall, 70% of patients starting treatment experience a significant improvement; however, there is still a portion of patients with severe OCD that do not respond to first and second-line treatment plans. We present the case of a 62-year-old-male who was admitted to inpatient psychiatry for severe OCD. The patient failed to respond to first- and second-line treatment options and was prescribed ondansetron for his obsessive thoughts. Ondansetron is a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist indicated for the treatment and prevention of nausea and vomiting. Our patient successfully responded to an off-label use of ondansetron for obsessive thoughts in OCD.